Cravings...

[Catrin]

I've always heard that when we are craving a particular food that we are likely missing something in that food. For some odd reason, I am REALLY craving peanut butter. Have for several weeks now, and I've eaten more of it than I should considering the fat content. I did find a version at Trader Joe's with flax seed in it, so at least that provides a little additional nutritional punch but it just has too much fat in it...

Any ideas what I can replace it with? Perhaps it would be better to simply eat actual nuts rather than nut butter...

[Melalvai]

I don't know what nutrients you might be missing from peanut butter. A lot of my cravings are for foods with no nutritional value.

I've found a couple tricks that work for me with cravings. I tell myself I can have it if I still want it in 2 hours (or 30 minutes, or even 10 minutes). The problem with that is even though I'm no longer craving it 2 hours later, I feel cheated so I have it anyway. So that doesn't always work.

Another trick I learned recently is to imagine myself eating that food. This is based on a study where participants imagined themselves eating 5 M&M's, 30 M&M's, or nothing. Then they were given a bowl of M&M's. The people who imagined eating 30 M&M's ate half as many M&M's as the other 2 groups. This one works better for me because imagining it distracts me from the craving, and then I don't get that cheated feeling.

That might work better if you are naturally gullible. Like me.

[OakLeaf]

Fat, maybe?

Try other sources of healthy fats and see if that satisfies your craving - walnuts, avocados, olive oil, freshly ground flax seeds, chia seeds, Udo's Choice...

You're right that eating whole nuts is a great means of portion control. Gather a bunch of hickories and find yourself a sledgehammer.

[Red Rock]

How about using greek yogurt instead of peanut butter? I tried this and became "hooked" Now I have all of these peanut butter jars around that I will need to use. I have thought about alternating between PB and the GY, that way I don't get sick of one.
Red Rock

[Catrin]

hmmm, it is true that I've been on a very low fat diet for some time - not that I don't always succeed at limiting it to 15%, but that is what I strive for. It may be that is exactly what I am craving. I do love Greek yogurt, and do use quite a bit non-fat yogurt and low-fat Greek yogurt. Perhaps I should mix in a bit more low-fat yogurt and a few more real nuts & other healthy fats into my diet.

I didn't think that it might be the actual fat I am craving - I get more than enough protein so I know that isn't it. I generally use a fat-free spray for cooking, skim milk, no-fat dairy products, etc., etc., etc. I bet that is what I am really craving.

[Tri Girl]

I wonder what I'm needing when I'm craving Nutella... chocolate? fat? protein? deliciousness? So many possibilities.

[daisylubob]

Now I have all of these peanut butter jars around that I will need to use.
Red Rock

Those jars of peanut butter will be put to good use, if you send them my way! I go through 1 jar of PB in 1-2 weeks

[Red Rock]

Dasiy-thanks for the offer. I actually had some PB the other day and I don't think my body knew what to do with it. Of course, there is the nutella on the shelf too but that is for "special occasions". I was amazed how much I prefer the greek yogurt. It is lighter and not as heavy, which is nice. I guess I need to go for more bike rides or serious hikes. Then the PB will get eaten for sure. I could make PB cookies too. Those are really good. Those are great anytime.

Red Rock

[PamNY]

Marni mentioned "mindful eating" which I think is a very helpful in developing a good relationship with food. Anytime there's a food issue I'd suggest focusing on mindfulness for a while and then re-evaluating whatever the issue is.

I also agree with Knotted's advice and will presently compose a song of gratitude for the shrimp tortilla soup I plan to make tonight.